The State Department for Correctional Services, after the unveiling of a new remand library at Jela Baridi Remand Prison in Mombasa County, has once again confirmed its aim to promote education and rehabilitation as the core of the prison facilities in Kenya.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco, said in her address that the government is going to support the implementation of national development goals through the provision of education and humane rehabilitation to prisoners.
According to Dr. Beacco, the new library will be a very important place for the inmates’ quality of life and their gaining knowledge and opportunities which will make their return to the society easy.
“The opening of this library marks a new era of the empowerment of inmates and their prospects increasing. Education is the most effective way to reform, and this library is our way of showing our commitment to providing personal growth opportunities to the inmates,” she stated.
Before the launch, Hamza Taher, the Dawood Bohra community representative, which was the main supporter for the project, echoed the PS’s opinion. He said that the library will be an essential tool to motivate the personal growth of inmates and to widen their horizons.
The building of the Jela Baridi remand library is only one instance of the government’s efforts to renovate the prisons. Modernizing the correctional facilities means giving the inmates the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources which will not only make their future brighter but will also be a great contribution to national development.
